An Analysis of the Dialect and Early Jewish Mystical Lore in a Targumic Tosefta to Ezekiel 1.1 (Ms Gaster 1478)

Author

Damsma, Alinda

Journal

Aramaic Studies (Volume: 6, Issue: 1)

Year (Publication)

2008

Year (Original (1st Edition))

2008

Year (Copyright)

2008

Year (Reference)

2008

Language

English

Pages

17-58 Pages

Genre

Original

Abstract

Codex Manchester Gaster 1478 contains an extensively aggadic Targumic Tosefta to Ezekiel 1:1, the prelude to the prophet's vision of the divine 'throne-chariot'. This study focuses on the unique mystical lore that is preserved in this Targum. It transpires that this material sheds light on a relatively dark chapter in the reception history of early Jewish mysticism, being closely related to Hekhalot literature, and to the Shi'ur Qomah tradition in particular, with implications for the latter's dating. It is furthermore established that the intriguing mixture of Aramaic dialect use that characterizes this Tosefta-Targum bears resemblances with Late Jewish Literary Aramaic.